Family Resources For Addiction

Compassion, Honesty and Practical Advice.

The #1 thing they will need throughout

the recovery process is you.

Discovering that you have a family member or loved one with an addiction problem can be difficult and traumatic. No one wants to watch someone they love suffer through that painful cycle. You may see the addict’s life and health unraveling away from them and all you want to do is help. That’s natural and, in truth, your addicted friend is exceedingly lucky because the #1 thing they will need throughout the recovery process is you. A support system of loving, caring people is paramount for someone struggling with addiction recovery.

Someone in the grip of an addictive substance will often find it very difficult to admit to the problem.

When confronted, he or she can become hostile and defensive. It’s important that an addict admit the problem in order to advance through treatment and recovery. Addicts are often reluctant to let go of the drug that enslaves them and they are usually reluctant to receive treatment, especially if they don’t see their dependency as a problem.

For friends or family members looking to help an addict close to them, sometimes it’s necessary to stage an intervention.

Communication & Intervention

If attempts to talk to the addict about the problem continue to fail, because they are in denial or exceedingly stubborn, it may be necessary to stage a family intervention. An intervention is not meant to be an aggressive attack on the patient, but a simply a wake-up call. Bringing the closest friends and family together to confront the addict about how his/her behavior is affecting everyone else is often enough to snap them out of the denial.

Plan and Rehearse

Make a list of the key family members, friends, co-workers, etc. that you would like to have in attendance at the intervention. Set a date for the intervention and plan the event by rehearsing what each person will say. Choose one person amongst the group to be the primary spokesperson. Avoid letting several people speak at once because it could make the addict feel as if he is being ganged up on.

It doesn’t always go smoothly so it’s important to plan an intervention appropriately. Ensure that it takes place in a private, safe place and that everyone is respectful of the addict they are trying to help. Anger and accusations will only make matters worse. If you think your family may need help planning an intervention, contact a drug rehabilitation specialist that can help you facilitate a safe, respectful meeting.

Anger

And accusations will only make matters worse. An intervention is not meant to be an aggressive attack on the patient, but a simply a wake-up call.

Be Compassion and Honesty

Consider seeking professional advice, there are many experienced people available to help.

Addictions can be very hard for those around an addict to understand. Sometimes we wonder why the addict doesn’t just stop what he’s doing and get clean already. But it’s not always that easy. Certain drugs create intense physical bonds that can be life-threatening to sever without proper medical care. A person dealing with an intense addiction often has many demons and emotional issues with which he/she is wrestling. If you truly want to help, don’t be judgmental or confrontational about the behavior, but rather exhibit honesty, compassion, and respect.

A patient needs to feel that there is support around them in order to undergo the grueling task of chemical detox and ongoing rehabilitation. Support groups and rehab centers offer coaching to family members who want to approach an addict in their life appropriately. There are a number of online resources that can educate you about the substance or addictive behavior in question. Being informed is always a good first step toward sympathetic understanding.

Regardless of what level of addiction your family is dealing with, the only way toward healing and recovery is mutual support, trust, and love. Addiction is not just some delinquent or criminal behavior that must be curbed or punished, it’s a medical condition that requires empathy and treatment.